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English Speaking Service in Tokyo

December 31, 2010

Many foreigners find the experience of visiting
Japanese salons to be frustrating and
disappointing, that's maybe because they 
can't communicate with the hairdresser
who doesn't speak much English.  

Here is the list of English speaking Hair-salons
which is preffered by expatriates:

    Name / Address / Telephone No. / Web-site
 Sin Den
 3-42-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
 Tel: 03-3405-4409
 http://www.sinden.com

 AcuteAbove
 Dream Anzai B1, 5-5-7 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku
 Tel: 03-3441-7218     
 
 http://www.above.co.jp/en/index.html

 WHO-GA
 Akasaka Kyo Bldg., 2-16-13, Akasaka, Minato-ku
 Tel: 03-5570-1773
 http://www.who-ga-newyork.com/

 Hayato
 3 Fl., 5-9-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
 Tel: 03-3498-9113
 http://www.hayato-ny.com/

 Watanabe Hair Dressing
 Sun Beauty Harajuku B1, 3-25-6, Jingumae,
 Shibuya-ku
 Tel & Fax: 03-3405-1188
http://www.watanabe-hair.com/

 Tomi & Emi
 [Azabu] 5-12-2, Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku
 Tel: 03-3446-8257
 [Yutenji] 2-8-10, Yutenji, Meguro-ku
 Tel: 03-3713-8901
 http://www.tomiandemi.com/

 Panorama
 6-5-2, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
 Tel: 03-3400-3901

 WHISP
 4-5-23, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
 Tel: 03-3444-1534
 http://www.whisp.co.jp/

 Zooto
 1F., 6-16-50, Roppongi, Minato-ku
 Tel: 03-3470-2248
 http://www.zooto.jp/

 MINGLE
 HOLON-R Bldg., 2-3 Fl., 3-12-2, Kita-Aoyama,
 Minato-ku
 Tel: 03-5464-2388  (Toll Free) 0120-77-5838
 http://www.mingle-tokyo.com/

 Y.S. PARK's
 Roppongi International      Tel: 03-3423-2244
 Hiroo
                             Tel: 03-5793-3335
 Aoyama                         Tel: 03-3440-6677
 Daikanyama Main             Tel: 03-3461-2244
 Daikanyama Bloom           Tel: 03-3464-3366
 Daikanyama Plus             Tel: 03-3461-2248
 Omotesando                   Tel: 03-3746-2244
 Shibuya Bloom                Tel: 03-3486-9898

 http://www.yspark.net/salon/index.html 
                     



(23:59)

November 12, 2008

Pets are like your family. 
When they get sick, you worry about them, don't you?
Especially living in a foreign country, 
people do not understand much English,
you will become more anxious...



Below, Veterinary Clinic / Animal Hospital in Tokyo
with English speaking veterinarians:

Akasaka Animal Hospital
Akabashi Bldg. 2F. 4-1-29, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3583-5852
http://www.akasaka-ah.com
 
Athena Pet Care Clinic
6-15-15, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3224-1186
http://www.athena-ah.net/about_en.html

Kobayashi Pet Hospital

6-8-1, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3400-5737
http://aoyama-pet-clinic.com/

Small Animal Clinic
6-5-27, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5786-2928

Angell Memorial Hiroo Center Animal Hospital
Hiroo Yutaka Towers, 5-24-1, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5420-0012
http://www.daktari.gr.jp/english/hospital/hiroo/index.html

Hiro Animal Hospital (Mon Tou Tou)
2-34-20, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
03-3478-0925
http://www.montoutou.co.jp/hiro/index.html

Centerville Animal Hospital
1-15-18, Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3724-1013
http://centerville.jp/

Komazawa Park Animal Hospital
5-9-23, Yagumo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3717-3939
http://www004.upp.so-net.ne.jp/KOANIMAL/

Garden Animal Hospital
4-6-3, Naka-Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3794-4970

Yamatedori Hospital
3-3-2, Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
http://www.daktari.gr.jp/english/hospital/yamate/index.html

Yasuda Veterinary Clinic
1-5-22, Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3717-6168

Tokyo Animal Night Clinic
2-5-8, Hiratsuka, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5702-0012
Please note : Hours from 9PM - 5AM

North Animal Clinic
5-12-3, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3446-1212
http://www005.upp.so-net.ne.jp/north/

Pet Family Animal Hospital
2-31-6-103, Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3495-0171
http://www.jpc-co.jp/pet-hospital/gotanda.html

Nagaiki Animal Hospital
5-15-2, Komazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3704-6711
http://www.nagaiki.co.jp/index.html

Genki Animal Hospital
5-7-10, Shimouma, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5486-2211

Koide Animal Hospital
6-9-3, Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3702-9009


VETS / ANIMAL HOSPITAL IN YOKOHAMA AREA

Meister Animal Hospital
1-3, Chiyozaki-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa
Tel: 045-622-0201

Ann Animal Hospital
10-24 Azuma-cho, Isogo-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa
Tel: 045-753-6656
http://www.annvet.net/ann's%20room.htm

For information about Real Estate in Tokyo, click here.
For information about Furniture Lease & Sales in Tokyo, click here.



(16:41)

November 06, 2008

If you are looking for an English speaking babysitter or
housekeeper in Tokyo, you may find ads in
International Supermarket such as
National Azabu Supermarket in Hiroo.

Also there are some companies specialize in housekeeping
and babysitting service in Tokyo:

Chez Vous - Housekeeping & Babysitting Service
http://www.chezvous.co.jp/

Poppins - Nanny Service
http://www.poppins.co.jp/english/baby/index.html

Alpha Kid's Club - Baby-sitter Service
http://www.alpha-co.com/english/ak.html

Kinder-Network
http://www.kinder-network.com/english.html

We hope this information is useful to start 
your new life in Tokyo!


babysitter






For information about Real Estate in Tokyo, click here.
For information about Furniture Lease & Sales in Tokyo, click here.



(15:48)

October 31, 2008

Part 3. Rent-a-car

To rent a car in Japanese, the following items are required.
* Driver’s license valid in Japan
* Passport
* Credit card

When a customer rents a car:
1.        Making reservation
Though you can reserve a car by calling a reservation center
of leasing company or by visiting a branch location directly,
it will be easier and convenient for you to reserve a car through a
reservation center because you can talk to a person who can speak
English. There is few company’s staff to speak English at branch offices.

The following information should be given to the company’ staff
of a reservation center.

- Your name
- Phone number for contact
- Departure or arrival date and time
- Location for departure and for arrival
- Desired options (4WD vehicle, or other features)
- Number of passengers riding on the car
   If there is a child under 6 years of age, a child seat will be provided.

2.       When coming to a location:
- Tell that the clerk that you have a reservation.
- A contract will be prepared, which you should check
  and sign.
- Prepay an estimated amount
- Check the car for scratches and dents, etc. and cleanliness.

3.  When returning a car:
- Fill the tank with fuel at a nearby gas station or pay at the
  return location for the gas used as determined by the
  calculation formula based on the mileage.
- Check if any personal effects are left inside the car and
  return the car to the scheduled rental location.
- Together with a rental location staff member, check the car
  for scratches, dents, etc.
  If you used the car longer than originally scheduled,
  then pay the additional amount.

4.  Reservation changes and cancellation
Inform the company’s staff in advance of reservation change
and cancellation. Cancellation charges will be required if you
cancel your reservation after the deadline before a date for departure.
Moreover, if you do not contact the rental location even after one hour
has passed form predetermined time, the reservation shall be regarded
as cancelled.

For information about Real Estate in Tokyo, click here.
For information about Furniture Lease & Sales in Tokyo, click here.



(16:07)

Part 2. Leasing

What is a car lease?
It is a system to lease a car in accordance by a contract between
the leasing company and the user at a certain price for a certain period.
The concept of the lease is a separation of ownership and use.
It is a system covering financing, taxes, insurance and
maintenance in a package.

You could obtain the following merits by arranging a car by leasing.
1)       By setting the residual value at the end of the lease contract,
      your monthly payment will be mitigated and become easier
      to switch to a higher-ranking car.
2)       Depending on leasing company, you can lease your desired
      car model from various carmakers, including imported
      foreign cars. So you will be able to have your option to
      choose your favorite new car.  When you want to lease a
      second-hand car, you may ask a person in charge if
      the company is able to provide such a service.
3)       You can take advantage of the vehicle discount deriving from
      the large car fleet of leasing company.
4)       Without a down payment, you can lease a car,
      depending on the car price. You may pay only a monthly
      leasing fee. You can also use a monthly payment method
      jointly with payments at the time of salary bonuses payment.
      Calculation of monthly leasing fee
      (Car cost + Miscellaneous expenses
       + Interest – Residual value) / Leasing period.
5)       You can include car insurance into the leasing fee.

Your option after the contract termination. 
You can have the following options after the end of the contract
in case of the open-end contract.
1)       Switch to a new car.
      A car under the current lease will be allotted as a trade-in car.
      The residual value (the expected sales price) and the actual
      trade-in price will be offset, easing your financial burden in
      the next contact of new car.
2)       Extension (Renewal)
      You can extend the contract at the leasing price calculated on
      the basis of the residual value.
3)       Return
      The leasing company collects the car and the balance of
       the residual value and assessed value will be settled.
4)       Purchase
      You can purchase the car at the price agreed at the outset.
      Expenses for name change, automobile tax, income tax, etc
      will be borne by you separately.

Open-end contract
It is a contract to settle the balance between the assessed value
and the purchasing price
(the residual value)

Closed-end contract
It is a contract not to settle the balance between the assessed value
and purchasing price (the residual value)
Lease contracts with companies are usually made based on this contract.

For information about Real Estate in Tokyo, click here.
For information about Furniture Lease & Sales in Tokyo, click here.



(15:36)

October 30, 2008

When you'd like to drive a car in Japan without bringing your
own car from your country, you can rent, lease or purchase one here.

Part 1. Purchasing
Car ownership in Japan is costly and incurs following
responsibilities on the part of the new car owner.

*Full insurance overage (compulsory and optional)
*Mandatory peridical maintenance checks, called 'Shaken',
   in accordance with the national regulations,
   which often is very expensive.
*Submissions of a certificate that you have a parking lot within
   500 meters of your residence.
   You must have a registered parking space and submit
   the parking space certificate (Shako-shomeisho) to the police.
*Registration
*Tax payment
   Acquisition tax, weight tax and annual tax.
*Sale, disposal or export arrangements before leaving Japan.

Neccessary requirements for registering your car
You have to submit the following documents for application of
    car registration:
  - Certificate of signature issued by your embassy.
  - Parking space certificate (Shako-shomeisho) issued by the
     police department, which proves that a parking space
     has been secured.
  - Foreign resident registration card. (Alien Registration Card)

When purchasing a car, be sure the paperwork is filled out
correctly transfer of ownership, clear taxing and lawful ownership.


Car dealers with English Speaking Staff
 

AUTODIRECT
Services:
New and used car sales, Administration, Auto Service,
Break Down Service, Insurance, Finance/Leasing,
English Navigation System, Export & Shipping,
Shaken (Compulsory Automobile Inspection)

Address: 1-13-2, Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5573-8776


OCCIDENTAL Corporation
Services:
New and Used Car Sales, English Language Insurance,
24-Hour Emergency Assistance, Long and short term Leasing,
International Shipping, One-Day Shaken (Registration),
Change of Ownership Process, English Car Navigation System,
Drivers License Assistance

Address: 2F., Empire Bldg., 2-17-17, Meguro Honcho,
               Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5768-6022

car






For information about Real Estate in Tokyo, click here.
For information about Furniture Lease & Sales in Tokyo, click here.


(16:57)

August 14, 2008

LOOKING FOR A PETSITTER?

Petsitter Yamanote ACS is a professional
petsitter in Tokyo.  The petsitter may not speak
very good English but they love animals and know
how to treat them right.

They have good experience of looking after Expats' pets,
and they come to your house/apartment.
If you wish to contact them, please send email.

Company Name: Petsitter Yamanote ACS
Head office: Sendagaya in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5474-0904
E-mail: info@petsitter-acs.com
Web-site: http://www.petsitter-acs.com/englishpage.htm

Service area:
Shibuya-ku, Shinjuku-ku, Meguro-ku, Setagaya-ku,
Minato-ku, Shinagawa-ku, Chuo-ku, Ota-ku,
Chiyoda-ku, Itabashi-ku, Koto-ku, Bunkyo-ku,
Nakano-ku, Suginami-ku, Toshima-ku, Nerima-ku,
Kita-ku, Taito-ku, Komae-shi, Chofu-shi, Fuchu-shi,
Mitaka-shi, Musashino-shi, Inagi-shi, Kunitachi-shi, 
Koganei-shi, Kokubunji-shi, Tama-shi in Tokyo.

In Kanagawa area:
Kawasaki-shi, Yokohama-shi, other areas
(please contact them directly)

puppycat

 







For information about Real Estate in Tokyo, click here.
For information about Furniture Lease & Sales in Tokyo, click here.



(16:25)

April 19, 2007

NEW TRAVEL INFORMATION SITE

JAPANICAN.com


Japan's largest travel agency JTB (Japan Travel Bureau)
has opened their new web-site JAPANiCAN.com
on the 18th, April 2007.

This site contains 1,000 hotels selected for
foreign tourists out of the 8,000 facilities with which
JTB has contracts, as well as 100 tour courses
the firm conducts for non-Japanese visitors.
(from Nikkei Net) 

Just click the name of city you are interested,
you can check the weather, detailed information
about the area, and a map all in English.



SUNRISE TOURS



(17:13)

February 22, 2007

Catching a taxi in central Tokyo is not so hard.
There are about 50,000 taxis operated in Tokyo.
The maximum number of passengers per
standard size taxi (sedan) is 4.


HOW TO CATCH A TAXI

Major stations or hotels, they have cabstand.
If you go to the main street, you will be able to
catch one quite easily.  (at night with rain, right after
the pay-day (most of people get paid on the 25th or
15th for government worker),  and the time after the
last train sometimes hard to catch one.)

First, you look for a taxi with the top lights on,
also with red sign says 'Kusha'. (*see the sign below)
ku=empty sha=car; means vacant

taxi sign_kuusha


Then just raise your hand. 
(Look at the driver like you really want him to stop!)

The minimum fee starts from 660 yen for the first 2km.
(some private taxi companies only charge 650 yen.)
After 2km, the charge will be added 80 yen per 1km.

There will be 20%-30% extra charge after 11pm until 5am,
it is called 'shinya warimashi ryokin.' (late-night-charge).  
And the sign looks like this:

taxi sign_warimashi

 
*So if you are looking for a taxi after 11pm,
you'll see this sign.

*Please click here to check new taxi fare & rule.


OTHER TAXI SIGNS

1. Chinsou - no vacancy
taxi sign_chinsou



2. Kaisou - out of service
taxi sign_kaisou



3. Geisha or Yoyakusha - reserved, on a way for pick-up
taxi sign_geishataxi sign_yoyakusha



4. Kashikiri - reserved for certain amount of time
taxi sign_kashikiri




TAXI CONVERSATION
When you get in a taxi, you will be asked:

Driver: "Where would you like to go?"
              Dochira made?

You: "Please take me to Roppongi 3-chome".
         Roppongi san-chome made onegai shimasu.

Driver: "Ceretainly."
            Kashikomari mashita.

Giving directions

You: "Please turn left at the next corner."
         Tsugi no kado wo hidari ni magatte kudasai.
        (or Tsugi no kado hidari desu.)

        "Please stop just before the traffic lights."
         Shingou no temae de tomete kudasai.

        "My apartment (house) is right on the next corner."
        Watashi no apato (ie) wa tsugi no kado desu.

        "Please stop here."
         Koko de tomete kudasai.

        "How much?"
        Ikura desuka?

        "Please give me a receipt."
        Ryoshusho wo kudasai / Reshiito wo kudasai.

WORDS
        Right: Migi
        Left: Hidari
        Straight: Massugu
        Turn: Magaru
        Stop: Tomaru
        Here: Koko
        There: Asoko
        This: Kore
        That: Are
        It: Sore
        I'm in a hurry: Isoide imasu.
        Please drive faster: Isoide kudasai.


TAXI RESERVATION

You can reserve a taxi in English with these companies: 

1. Nihon Kotsu
    Reservation: 03-5755-2336
    24hours, 365 days on line in English       
http://www.nihon-kotsu.co.jp/en/taxi/ephone.html

2. Tokyo MK Taxi
    Reservation: 03-5547-5551
    Credit card accepted.  Larger size taxis available.
http://www.tokyomk.com/eng/index.html

3. Hello Tokyo Taxi
    Reservation: 050-3160-0601 (8am - 8pm)
    or 03-5653-7921 (Japanese only)
    Larger size taxis available.
http://www.hello-tokyo.co.jp/english/index.htm 



(17:06)

November 30, 2006

Mobile Number Portability (MNP)


Japan
’s three major mobile carriers,
NTT DoCoMo,
au by KDDI, and
SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp.
have agreed for
Number Portability to be effective from
October 24, 2006. 
Customers get the option of
changing carriers and keeping the same number,
but will need to pay a roughly 5,000 yen paperwork
fee when switching carriers and change their
e-mail addresses.

Also, points earned with the previous carrier,
as well as music and other data downloaded on
previous handsets will be lost.


The three carriers have been preparing for
number portability by increasing their handset lineups,
adding new functions and offering better privileges and
discounts to long-term subscribers.


 

SoftBank Mobile 

[Roppongi Branch]
Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Roppongi Branch Bldg. 1F.,
4-9-7, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 
TEL: 03-5775-5011

Office Hours10am – 8pm
English speaking staff – YES
What to bringAlien Registration Certification & Passport


[Shibuya Branch]
Kiyama Bldg., 27-4 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5459-6625
Office Hours10am – 9pm
English speaking staff – YES
What to bringAlien Registration Certification & Passport

 

au by KDDI
[Roppongi Branch]
Mikawadai Bldg. 1F., 4-8-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5410-3011

Office Hours: 11am – 8pm
English speaking staff – YES
What to bringAlien Registration Certification & Passport


[Shibuya Branch]
A2 Bldg. 1F & 2F., 28-3, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3496-8121

Office Hours10am – 8pm
English speaking staff – over the phone
What to bringAlien Registration Certification & Passport
 

DoCoMo 

[Roppongi Branch]
4-8-6, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5411-3222 
toll free:0120-608-244)
Office Hours10am – 7pm
English speaking staff – over the phone
What to bring – Must have Alien Registration Card.
Alien Registration Certification is not valid.

  

[Shibuya Branch]

NOF Shibuya Kouendo-ri Bldg. 2F. & 3F.,

20-17 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

TEL: 03-3464-8101

toll free:0120-276-070) 

Office Hours11am – 8pm

English speaking staff – YES

What to bring – Must have Alien Registration Card.

Alien Registration Certification is not valid.


**AS OF NOVEMBER, 2006**
 


(17:08)